Humber Forts facts for kids
The Humber Forts are two big fortifications (strong buildings for defense) located at the mouth of the Humber Estuary in northern England. They are called Bull Sand Fort and Haile Sand Fort. These forts were built to protect this important waterway from enemy ships.
History of the Humber Forts
The idea for these two forts came about in 1914. This was right at the start of the First World War. Their main job was to protect the sea entrance to the Humber Estuary.
These forts stand about 59 feet (18 m) above the water. They are also about 82 feet (25 m) wide. Each fort could hold up to 200 soldiers. Building them started in May 1915. It took more than four years to finish, finally ending in December 1919. This was a year after the First World War had already ended.
During the Second World War, the forts were used again and updated. Enemy aircraft often attacked them. At this time, special nets were put underwater. These nets were there to stop enemy submarines. The submarines might try to travel up the estuary to places like Hull or Grimsby. The military stopped using the forts in 1956.
Bull Sand Fort
Bull Sand Fort is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the shore. It is located near Spurn Head. This fort is a four-story concrete building. It has very thick armor, about 12-inch (300 mm) thick, on the side facing the sea. When it was first built, it had four large 6-inch guns. It was very hard to build this fort. This is because its sandbank is 11 feet (3.4 m) below the water when the tide is low.
In 1987, Bull Sand Fort was given a special status. It became a Grade II Listed Building. This means it is an important historical building. The fort was sold in July 2022 at an auction. It was expected to sell for around £50,000. However, it actually sold for much more, reaching £490,000.
Haile Sand Fort
Haile Sand Fort is also known as Sand Haile Fort. It is the smaller of the two forts. This fort is located near the low-water mark. You can find it between Cleethorpes and Humberston on the Lincolnshire coast.
In February 2016, Haile Sand Fort was put up for sale. It did not sell right away. Then, it was put up for auction in October 2018. At this auction, it sold for £117,000 to a buyer whose name was not shared.
See also
- Maunsell Forts
- In Spanish: Fuertes del Humber para niños
